New possibility for the use of plasma discharges to identify amber and changes in amber structure

Pulsed power discharge applied in air to the amber surface was found to cause improvement in its appearance and color changes such as to red, a color not natural to amber but attractive for jewelry. Needle and plate electrodes were used during experiments. Pulsed power discharges in air particularly turned amber red at the edges and around the needle electrode. Discharges in water did not change amber structure because discharge occurring on the surface does not cross the amber structure. Discharges in silicone oil had a different effect, with most discharge passing through the amber structure, causing fine cracks. Unfortunately, the absence of a consistent amber structure causes difficulty in selecting the correct discharge (shock wave) power. Using new technology, we have changed the appearance a very old material-amber (about 40 – 60 million years old) – to make it more attractive for customers; this technology is also useful for detecting artificial amber (costume jewellery) without causing damage to the product.